How many veterans live in Georgia? These counties have most who served

Today is Veteran's Day when the country celebrates the service of millions of men and women from every state across the decades.

From World War II to the Gulf Wars, families will honor the servicemembers who are — and aren't — still with us this year, including thousands who call Georgia home.

There are more than 600,000 veterans living in the Peach State, as of 2024, or about 5,300 veterans per 100,000 people. Across all 159 counties, that means veterans are your neighbors, teachers, service workers and more.

Here's a look at the Georgia counties with the highest number of veteran residents, according to Stacker.

Where are veterans living in Georgia?

Alaska, Virginia and Montana have the highest concentration of veteran residents, but Georgia has no shortage of former servicemembers.

Here's a look at the top 5 counties for veteran residents, as of 2024 U.S. Census data. The rankings are determined by percentage of the county's total population, not total number of veterans:

1. Liberty County (19.5%)
   • Korean War: 73
   • Vietnam War: 1,486
   • Gulf War (1990-2001): 3,440
   • Gulf War (post-2001): 4,328
2. Chattahoochee County (18.9%)
   • Vietnam War: 64
   • Gulf War (1990-2001): 86
   • Gulf War (post-2001): 248
3. Quitman County (17%)
   • Vietnam War: 181
   • Gulf War (1990-2001): 65
   • Gulf War (post-2001): 40
4. Camden County (16.7%)
   • World War II: 34
   • Korean War: 100
   • Vietnam War: 1,501
   • Gulf War (1990-2001): 2,482
   • Gulf War (post-2001): 3,009
5. Houston County (15.8%)
   • World War II: 63
   • Korean War: 204
   • Gulf War (1990-2001): 8,427
   • Gulf War (post-2001): 8,473

Long, Muscogee, Columbia, Lanier and Bryan Counties make up the rest of the top ten counties for veterans in Georgia.

Veteran's Day restaurant deals

Want to celebrate your veteran but don't know where? Here are 12 restaurant deals taking place at participating locations in Georgia:

1. Applebee's: Veterans, active-duty military, Reserves and National Guard members can receive a free full-size entree from a special seven-item menu when dining in. The offer also includes a $5 bonus card valid Nov. 12-29 for dine-in, online or app orders. Limit one free meal per person.
2. Chili's: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free meal from a select menu. Options include chicken crispers, chicken bacon ranch quesadillas, a cheeseburger, or soup and a house salad. The offer is dine-in only, and drinks are not included.
3. Denny's: Active-duty, non-active and retired military members can receive a free Original Grand Slam from 5 a.m. until noon. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
4. Golden Corral: Veterans, retired and active-duty service members, and National Guard and Reserve members can receive a free buffet and drink from 4 p.m. until closing. The offer is for dine-in customers.
5. IHOP: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The offer is valid for dine-in only.
6. Red Lobster: Veterans, active military members and reservists can receive a free Veteran's Shrimp and Chips entree. The meal includes Walt's Favorite Shrimp, fries, coleslaw and cocktail sauce.
7. Red Robin: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Red's Big Tavern Burger with bottomless steak fries. No purchase is required, and the offer is limited to one burger per person.
8. Ruby Tuesday: U.S. veterans and active-duty, Reserve and National Guard service members can receive a free Everyday Fresh Meal valued at up to $17.99. The meal includes a choice from 13 entrees, a Garden Bar and a bottomless drink. Dine-in only.
9. Shane's Rib Shack: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free chopped barbecue pork or chicken plate when ordering in store. The offer is limited to one per person.
10. Starbucks: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free tall, 12-ounce hot or cold coffee.
11. Wendy's: Veterans and active-duty military members can get a free Dave's Single hamburger. The offer is available all day when ordering inside the restaurant or through the drive-thru. Customers must identify themselves as a veteran or active-duty service member. Limit one per person. App, mobile and delivery orders are excluded.
12. Whataburger: Veterans and active-duty military members can receive a free Taquito with scrambled eggs until 11 a.m. local time Wednesday. Choices include sausage, bacon or potato. Limit one per guest.

Visit this website for more freebies on Veteran's Day.

Vanessa Johns is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia, covering food and entertainment. Email her at [e-mail].

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at [e-mail].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How many veterans live in Georgia? These counties have most who served